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Finding different ways to get bills passed
Jan. 13, 2012 11:08 pm
Let's say that state Sen. Dick Dearden wants dove hunting. Majority Leader Mike Gronstal then pushes Dearden's bill through the Senate - closed caucus, no floor debate.
The very next day, a similar bill just miraculously appears in the House - no funnel bill, no committee hearing, no public input - where House Speaker Kraig Paulsen shepherds it through with Gov. Terry Branstad standing by. Less than 72 hours later, Branstad signs the bill in a closed-door session with no public and no press!
This is how bills are passed in our current Legislature, if you know how to grease the wheels.
Jim Walters
Iowa City
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